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player ready...The planned Northbrook Community Center – formerly the Leisure Center – will create a more modern, welcoming environment intended to connect visitors with nature, according to Joan Scovic, spokeswoman for the Northbrook Park District.
Work is starting, as of Aug. 18, on the $12.1 million renovation of the interior and exterior of the building, at 3323 Walters Ave., and will include “functional and aesthetic upgrades” incorporating biophilic principles, Scovic said.
Biophilic style, used by center designer Wight & Company, creates a “space that connects humans and the environment,” she said.
“Wight & Company’s mission is to create impactful and sustainable environments that will empower future generations to thrive,” Scovic said. “The interior of the building will have a bright and more open layout aimed at fostering social interaction and connection.”
Among the interior improvements, Scovic said, are:
- An enhanced lobby, new reception area and expanded hallway spaces
- An “innovation lounge” near the main entrance, with comfortable seating for relaxation and socialization
- A “knowledge center” with fireplace and amenities for reading and watching TV
- Four multipurpose rooms of various sizes, including one with a fireplace
- Early childhood classrooms with ambient lighting and new viewing windows
- An activity studio suitable for preschool gym, senior wellness classes and rehearsals
- A dance/fitness studio
- A ceramics/art studio
- An art/maker space
- A sensory/de-escalation lounge
- A demonstration kitchen with pantry space for cooking classes for children and families
- A 1,800-square-foot performance space
- Technology throughout the building to improve presentations and special events
- Renovated bathrooms
- ADA-compliant upgrades, such as accessible bathrooms for early childhood classrooms
The exterior will be enhanced with improved directional signage, new windows, an updated facade, and dedicated entrances for Sunshine Preschool and Northbrook Theatre, she said.
The biophilic elements will include skylights, more natural-looking features such as curves, and unobstructed exit views, Scovic said. The color palette will include blue, green and earth tones, she said.
“The redesign, conceptualized by Wight & Company, will transform the building into a warm and inviting community center that will inspire patrons to gather, socialize and engage in activities,” said Chris Leiner, executive director of the park district.
The former Leisure Center is slated to reopen as the newly-named Community Center in spring 2026. The center provides multigenerational programming, including the preschool, the theater and the senior center.
Park Board President Mike Goodman said the overhaul was “long needed” and he is excited the board agreed to the project.
“This is an important community-centered facility that serves all our residents — from babies to children, adults and seniors — and I am proud of the decision to invest in enhancing the community’s enjoyment of the arts and recreation,” he said.
The 40,000-square-foot building opened in the 1960s, Scovic said. To help pay for the project, the park district received a $2.8 million grant through the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, she said.
Scovic said the Leisure Center was the “central hub” for recreation programs for all ages. The improvements will allow the park district to boost programming options and provide more functional space for staff, she said.
Among the upgrades are the overhaul of the theater, its lower-level green room, dressing rooms and costume area, Scovic said.